Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) physicians of the John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey announce their involvement in the publication of five recent clinical studies that will each lead to significant improvements in the care of patients diagnosed with cancer. The studies were published in The New England Journal of Medicine, widely considered the most prestigious peer-reviewed medical journal. These publications are evidence of JTCC’s capabilities as a world-class clinical and research cancer center. RCCA oncologists continue to work side-by-side on multi-site research studies with top cancer researchers from around the world.
RCCA oncologists at JTCC were important contributors to the following studies:
PI3Kδ Inhibition by Idelalisib in Patients with Relapsed Indolent Lymphoma
Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., Chairman and Director, Chief of Lymphoma and Director, Clinical and Translational Cancer Research
A single group study of idelalisib, a first-in-class, orally active selective phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase delta inhibitor, showed antitumor activity with an acceptable safety profile in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who had received extensive prior treatment, with a response rate of 57%. “This study is a significant breakthrough providing a non-chemo option for patients who have failed other therapies,” said Dr. Goy. “With our active research program, JTCC has had access to idelalisib for years before it has been available more broadly, providing our oncologists the opportunity to gain significant and valuable drug experience.”
Targeting BTK with Ibrutinib in Relapsed or Refractory Mantle-Cell Lymphoma
Andre Goy, M.D., M.S.
A Phase 2 study revealed that ibrutinib – a highly active new oral agent with a favorable toxicity profile – has durable single-agent efficacy in relapsed and refractory mantle-cell lymphoma. “Ibrutinib is a major development in our armamentarium of drugs, expected to have significant impact on mantle-cell lymphoma patients,” said Dr. Goy. “Study results can have very positive implications for patients suffering from this disease, as the drug is a less intensive and more effective regimen than is currently available.”
CMX001 to Prevent Cytomegalovirus Disease in Hematopoietic-Cell Transplantation
Scott D. Rowley, M.D., Chief, Blood & Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation Program
Preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, which can affect patients with weakened immune systems, is an important consideration when treating certain cancer patients. However, current antiviral agents have frequent toxic effects and concerns about resistance. This study evaluated the safety and anti-CMV activity of oral CMX001 (100mg) in patients who had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic-cell transplantation for multiple myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma. Treatment was found to significantly reduce the incidence of CMV events – a discovery with implications relating to patient survival and quality of life. “As a leader in hematopoietic-cell transplant and the treatment of myeloma, leukemia and lymphoma, JTCC was a proud participant in this study,” said Dr. Rowley. “These are important findings for CMV and I am encouraged by initial evidence that CMX001 may reduce incidence of other viruses as well.”
Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Relapsed Multiple Myeloma
David S. Siegel, M.D., Ph.D., Chief, Multiple Myeloma
In patients with relapsed multiple myeloma, the addition of proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib to standard combination therapy (lenalidomide and dexamethasone) resulted in significantly improved progression-free survival at interim analysis and a favorable risk-benefit profile. Recently published international Phase 3 post-approval ASPIRE data confirms the utility of this treatment. “In addition to being involved in this Phase 3 data publication, JTCC was a lead institution for the Phase 2 study of carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone for relapsed multiple myeloma, which provided important evidence for accelerated U.S. regulatory approval. In relapsed multiple myeloma, carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone was the single best treatment arm,” said Dr. Siegel.
PD-1 Blockade with Nivolumab in Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Martin Gutierrez, M.D., Director, Drug Discovery/Phase I Unit, Medical Oncologist, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology
Researchers hypothesized that nivolumab, a PD-1 blocking antibody, could inhibit tumor immune evasion in patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Dr. Gutierrez and team concluded that nivolumab had substantial therapeutic activity and an acceptable safety profile in patients with previously heavily treated relapsed or refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “Nivolumab is part of a new therapeutic family of drugs called checkpoint inhibitors or CIs, adding to the repertoire of treatments available to these patients,” said Dr. Gutierrez. “Data show significant therapeutic activity in patients who have failed prior therapies, including bone marrow transplant.” JTCC, among the nation’s top 50 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals for Cancer – and the highest ranked in New Jersey with this designation – is strongly committed to not just the care of cancer patients, but to research and discovery to advance the state of cancer treatment for patients in New Jersey and for the population at large.
John Theurer Cancer Center is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive cancer center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, preventive care, as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. The 14 specialized divisions feature a team of medical, research, nursing and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. John Theurer Cancer Center provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care, state of the art technology, and access to clinical trials, compassionate care and medical expertise— all under one roof. Physicians at John Theurer Cancer Center are members of Regional Cancer Care Associates, one of the nation’s largest professional hematology/oncology groups. For more information please visit www.jtcancercenter.org.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA), one of the largest oncology physician networks in the United States, is transforming oncology care by ensuring patients and their caregivers are an active part of the treatment team in all aspects of the management of their disease in a way that is life-enriching and respectful. Regional Cancer Care Associates extends across New Jersey with more than 100 cancer care specialists, and is supported by 700 employees at 25 care delivery sites, providing care to more than 23,000 new patients annually and over 245,000 existing patients. RCCA takes responsibility to ensure access to the highest quality, compassionate and cutting-edge cancer care for its patients while controlling the cost of this care. For more information visit: www.regionalcancercare.org.
